To Watch:
Amendment 2: Death Penalty
Would amend the state Constitution to preserve the death penalty and permit any execution method unless prohibited by the federal Constitution. If passed, the amendment could be applied retroactively.

Amendment 9: Basic Rights
Would define "basic rights" as "male and female alike" who are equal before the law and may not be deprived of any right because of national origin. Provision also changes "physical handicap" to "physical disability."

Amendment 12: Background Checks/Handgun Sales
Would give counties the option of requiring a criminal history record check and waiting period in the connection with the sale of any firearm. Provision does not apply to holders of concealed weapons permits.

Known for its hurricanes, theme parks, sandy beaches, immigrants and
senior citizens, Florida was also the first state to allow concealed
weapons. They are all part of the Sunshine State, now the fourth most
populated state in the union, and one of the most diverse and dynamic as
well. Referred to by Gov. Lawton Chiles, who in 1998 is completing his
40th year in politics, as "more of a crowd than a community," Florida's
political history has favored Republicans. The urban centers, especially
the Miami area, are more Democratic. Democrats have made inroads in the
1990s. Florida was one of two states that Bill Clinton lost in 1992, but
then won in 1996 (Arizona was the other). The Democrats are courting the
Cuban-American vote that has been loyal to the GOP. Jeb Bush, one of
President George Bush's sons, lost a 1994 race for governor to incumbent
Democrat Lawton Chiles. Jeb's brother, George W. Bush, first won the
Texas governor's post the same year.